Things To Do
in Passau
Passau sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, earning its nickname as the City of Three Rivers. Its baroque old town sits atop a hillside, offering dramatic views over the water and the border region with Austria. The city is famous for St. Stephen's Cathedral and its renowned pipe organ, one of the largest in the world.
With the fortress of Veste Oberhaus overlooking the town and pleasant riverfront promenades, Passau blends history, culture, and natural scenery into a compact Bavarian experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in the heart of Passau, enjoying traditional German pastries. Afterward, wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Make your way to St. Stephen's Cathedral to marvel at its impressive baroque interior and the famous organ.
In the afternoon, visit the Veste Oberhaus, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the Danube River and the city below. Explore the museum inside, which showcases the region's history and culture. Afterward, stroll along the riverbanks, where you can enjoy the scenic views and maybe even catch a glimpse of river cruises setting off.
As evening approaches, dine at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, where you can savor local dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Danube promenade, enjoying the sunset over the water. Finish your day with a nightcap at a local beer garden, immersing yourself in the lively evening atmosphere.
Begin your day at the Passau Museum, where you can delve into the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Spend time admiring the various exhibits that showcase Passau’s significance as a cultural hub. Afterward, visit the nearby St. Paul Cathedral, known for its beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, venture to the Glass Museum, where you can marvel at exquisite glass art and learn about the region's glass-making traditions. Take a break in one of the local parks, enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Then, explore the quaint boutiques and art galleries scattered throughout the Old Town, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
For dinner, reserve a table at a fine dining restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy the ambiance of the historic building while indulging in a multi-course meal. After dinner, catch a performance at the Passau Theater, where you can experience local talent and cultural productions.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🛏️One night in a mid-range hotel | $70-130 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $6-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning river confluence and compact, walkable old town
- Rich Baroque architecture and historic fortress with panoramic views
- Excellent day trips to nature and the Bavarian Forest
- Affordably priced compared to larger German cities
- Smaller nightlife scene compared with big cities
- Some tourist sites may have limited hours outside peak season
- Shorter daylight hours in winter can limit outdoor time
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist der Dom?" - Where is the cathedral?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte" - A table for two, please
- "Zahlen, bitte" - The check, please
- "Prost!" - Cheers
- "Hilfe" - Help
Places to Visit in Passau
Visit one of these nice places.
Baroque cathedral with a dramatic riverside setting and interior shots of the grand organ and ornate ceiling.
Fortress terrace overlooking Passau and the three rivers, ideal for panoramic city and river photography.
Historic square and bridge with classic Bavarian architecture and river backdrops.
Golden-hour shots along the quays where the rivers converge and reflect the city’s silhouette.
Points where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet, offering dramatic water and skyline photos.
Food in Passau
Passau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roast pork served with potato or bread dumplings and a rich beer gravy.
Must-Try!
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and crispy onions.
Trout prepared in a classic pan-fried style with brown butter and capers.
Crispy fried chicken, a Bavarian beer garden staple.
Assorted breads, cheeses, and Obatzda cheese spread, perfect for a sharable snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, sausages, and ready-to-eat bites.
Casual spots along the promenade offering pretzels, sausages, and fresh pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Grüß Gott or Guten Tag; a handshake is common in formal settings and with new acquaintances.
Punctuality is valued; be on time for appointments and tours.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak quietly and switch mobile phones to silent mode.
When toasting with beer or wine, say Prost and maintain eye contact with others.
Safety
Tipping in Passau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% of the bill or rounding up to the nearest euro is typical.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Some small cafés may prefer cash, but cards are increasingly universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and blooming riverside vegetation; great for strolls and outdoor cafés. Pack light layers and a lightweight rain jacket.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; ideal for river walks, boat trips, and terrace dining. Stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Pleasant temperatures and fall foliage along the Danube. Perfect for photography and scenic hikes; pack a warm layer for evenings.
Cool to cold with potential snow; charming Christmas markets and illuminated streets. Layered clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Passau at Night
Hiking in Passau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails and viewpoints in the nearby Bavarian Forest offer varied difficulty and scenic reward.
Gentle riverside hikes with reflective water views and opportunities for spotted wildlife.
Short to moderate hikes leading to expansive city panoramas and fortress ruins.
Airports
How to reach Passau by plane.
Major international hub about 150-180 minutes by rail or car from Passau; frequent connections to German and European destinations.
Closest major airport in Austria, around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or rail; good for central European connections.
North of Passau with seasonal and year-round flights; convenient for alpine or cultural visits.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
University students contribute to a youthful, international vibe along the riverfront and campus areas.
Safe, walkable streets and parks make Passau family-friendly, with cultural activities for kids.
A steady flow of travelers from Germany and Austria, especially in summer and around Christmas markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular spectator sport and local club matches attract community support.
The Danube and Inn rivers support rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Nearby forests and hill routes provide varied terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Passau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bavarian dishes can be made meatless; look for Käsepätzle, dumplings, salads, and vegetarian soups. When in doubt, ask for the day’s vegetarian option or a dairy-based dish; most places will accommodate with a veggie version.
Vegan options may be limited in traditional venues; request salads, potato dishes, and vegetable sides; some places can adapt dishes by omitting butter or meat stocks.
Many eateries can offer gluten-free bread or dumplings; inform staff of gluten intolerance and look for meat- or fish-based entrees with plain sides.